ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS 
1. How are the arts used to express faith and spirituality?

Faith -  "a strong belief in God or in the doctrines [teachings] of a religion" based on feelings of the spirit instead of proof.
Spirituality -"a sense of connection to something bigger than ourselves, typically involving a search for meaning in life." 

CHRISTIANITY
  • Spanning 2000 years, Christianity is a monotheistic religion that places God and his son, Jesus, as the supreme ruler(s).
  • The Bible is Christianity's guiding text.
  • Christians believe that Jesus rose from the dead in order to grant eternal life (through the afterlife) to those who believe in Him.
Hinduism
  • Spanning 4000 years, Hinduism recognizes Brahman as the spirit of existence.  Brahman does not exist as a being, Brahman IS existence.  Brahman is worshiped in several forms including Vishnu, Shiva, Ganesh or Krishna (all manifestations of Brahman.) 
  • The Vedas and the Upanishads are Hinduism's guiding texts.
  • Hindus believe in reincarnation that is guided by karma and dharma. The better a soul lives its life, the higher the life form it will achieve in rebirth.
ISLAM
  • Spanning 1400 years, Islam is a monotheistic religion that places God (referred to as Allah) as the supreme ruler.
  • The Quran is Islam's guiding text.
  • Muslims believe the Quran is actually the word of God as revealed to the prophet Muhammad.  
JUDAISM
  • Spanning 3000 years, Judaism is monotheistic religion that places God (often referred to as Jehovah or Yahweh) as the supreme ruler.
  • The Torah is Judaism's guiding text.
  • Judaism is considered by some to be the expression of the covenant  that God established with the Children of Israel.
Buddhism
  • Spanning 2500 years, Buddhism does not recognize a spiritual deity.  Is not a religion, rather a way of life. 
  • The Tripitaka is Buddhism's guiding text, It is a collection of teachings from Siddhartha Gautama, the first Buddha.
  • Buddhists respect all life and encourage non-violence and kindness. Buddhists seek enlightenment - the understanding of the true meaning of life and the world.
~Agnostic
a person who believes that nothing is known, or can be known, of the existence of God; a person who claims neither faith nor disbelief in God
~Atheist
a person who disbelieves or lacks belief in the existence of God or gods​
In all cultures, people strive to understand their reason for being and their place in the universe. Art can be an instrument for not only recording spiritual beliefs, but also for creating myths, defining the realms of mortal and immortal, communing with ancestors, channeling forces of good, and repelling those of evil.
Click HERE to explore a short study on Cosmology and Belief presented by the Annenberg Learner Foundation.
1. Watch the video, making note of what you find interesting
2. Choose ONE of the artworks on the right hand side to explore in more depth
​3.